This microscope is an example of a binocular microscope. A binocular microscope is any microscope that has two eyepieces instead of the traditional monocular (single) eyepieces that have been seen previously on this tour. The technology of a binocular microscope and a monocular microscope is nearly identical, unless the resulting image is stereoscopic.
A stereoscopic microscope has two separate optical paths, each with its own objective lens and eyepiece. The light from the sample results in two separate images, each from a slightly different angle. When the images are viewed by the observer, the difference in angle is interpreted as depth perception, creating a single 3D image. Because the stereoscopic microscope requires two separate images it must have two eyepieces and is therefore always binocular.
This microscope is not stereoscopic. In this microscope, a single image is magnified by the objective lenses and then is split so that it can be observed by both eyes, creating a “flat” 2D image. The microscope also comes with three objective lenses, a substage condenser lens, a built-in lamp and a micrometer stage. The objective lenses achieve a magnification of x10, x45 and x95. The 45x and the 95x lenses use oil immersion.The eyepiece lenses have a magnification of x12.5. The eyepiece lenses can be shifted to fit the observers face and can be focused individually. Non-stereoscopic binocular microscopes are used to reduce the eyestrain that a monocular microscope can cause. Binocular microscopes are the best to use when observing a specimen for long periods of time.
This microscope was made in York circa 1960 by the scientific instrument manufacturing business Cooke, Troughton and Simms. Cooke, Troughton and Simms, originally Cooke and Sons, was founded by Thomas Cooke, a self taught optical engineer in York in 1837. The business produced a wide range of products, such as telescopes, clocks and spectacles. In 1922 Cooke and Sons merged with Troughton and Simms, another instrument making business. During the First World War the company expanded production and began to produce military instruments. The company still exists today under the name Cooke Optics Ltd and produces camera lenses.
This item is part of the UQ Physics Museum Microscopes Tour
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